Discover Rotterdam

Hello my fellow adventure seekers!!!! 

Welcome to Rotterdam! While you may not find canals, windmills, or other typical Dutch characteristics in the city, you’ll quickly realize that Rotterdam has its very own character and culture!  And yes, I did not bring much luggage, at times I do travel light! Can you believe it?

Europe's Largest Port: Rotterdam is a port city, which you can discover while taking a ride in one of the many water taxis. But be careful, the Maas River can be quite bumpy! Rotterdam you hold the title for the largest port in Europe and one of the busiest ports in the world. Bravo!!!!!

Rotterdam, major European port and second largest city of the Netherlands. It lies about 19 miles (30 km) from the North Sea, to which it is linked by a canal called the New Waterway.

 The city lies along both banks of the New Muese (Nieuwe Maas) River which is the heart of Rotterdam where large cruise terminal is.

I'm just glad that you had enough room to hold the space to park my next mode of transportation. BRRAAVO!!!!

Rotterdam - What can I say about you?? Considering I never knew of your existence before booking this trip

I can say I love what I saw so far, and that you're quickly becoming a favourite.

Why are you Famous? My take?

While there are upside down houses in places like Niagara Falls  

or Orlando Florida,

You have cubes houses , which I will be giving the uptake on this one LATER....

You have an entire building that is upside down.  Great architectural design! How about that for starters? Talk about a cut above the rest.

Plus you have the most bikes I have ever seen in one place at the same time.

Incredible......Can you find where you parked your bike? it's like "where is Waldo?!"

How do they compare?? The Erasmusbrug ("Erasmus Bridge" in English )

Erasmusbrug("Erasmus Bridge") is a combined cable-stayed and bascule bridge  in the centre of Rotterdam, connecting the north and south parts of the city.

and how is are you different from Amsterdam?

How about it's a young, vibrant, dynamic city  literally rose from its ashes with its modern architecture and impressive harbor.  After having suffered extensive damage during World War II, Rotterdam emerged with a spacious and functional architecture that have attracted both professional and touristic admiration. Although only a fraction smaller than Amsterdam, it has a completely different look and feel than the capital.  Now that's what I called making your mark by making yourself one of the best cities to visit in the Netherlands. 

What is interesting about Rotterdam? so let's talk about the cube houses I mentioned earlier...

The yellow cube houses (“Kubuswoningen” in Dutch)  one of the most attractive and prominent places in the city,  These amazing cube houses are cube inclined at 45 degrees that are specially designed for the most efficient use, and continues to be one of the city's most attractive landmarks. Architect Piet Blom drew inspiration from forests and trees when designing the Cube Houses. Based on his previous cubic houses in the Dutch city of Helmond on concept of living on a roof top.  

They are high density housing with sufficient space on the ground level; its main purpose being to optimize the space inside, with their shapes and asymmetrical designs to capture the aesthetic of futuristic treetops.

What Are the Cube Houses of Rotterdam?

The Cube Houses (“Kubuswoningen” in Dutch) are a collection of modern homes in the city of Rotterdam in the Netherlands. The Cube Houses stand above ground level on top of a pedestrian bridge near the city center of Rotterdam, close to the Rotterdam Blaak metro station.

 Each house stands atop a hexagonal pylon—a concrete pillar designed to mimic a tree trunk. A staircase within each pylon leads to living areas that total roughly 100 square meters per home. 

3 Notable Characteristics of the Cube Houses

Consider some of the distinct characteristics of the Cube Houses. 

1. Abstract shape: With a total of 38 cubic homes and two larger cubes called “super cubes,” the Cube Houses of Rotterdam form a distinct canopy of geometrical shapes. The walls of each cube are angled at 54.7 degrees, creating a surreal visual effect from the inside and out.

2. Three floors: Above the ground floor entryway, the first floor includes a living room and an open kitchen. On the second floor, there are two bedrooms and a bathroom. A final staircase leads to a small loft area on the top floor surrounded by windows at the peak of the cube.

3. Pedestrian walkway: The Cube Houses of Rotterdam optimize public space by keeping living areas above ground and allowing extra room for foot traffic and retail stores.

Whew, we all gonna be history majors after these lessons.

Another one you do not want to miss when visiting this awesome place is...

This is call the Markthal {Market Hall} in English. The Markthal is a residential and office building with a market hall underneath it.

A snapshot of the inside. Fascinating isn't it?! Imagine not cooking as you can smell the food they sell and unique items they sell...if you are working... you might be late coming back as you browse through the stores LOL

Truly eye gazing 

and astounding

Rotterdam is one of the best cities to visit in the Netherlands, I couldn't pick one favourite part. 

The cube houses, The Market Hall, Erasmus Bridge or just walking the sights, I find it all incredible  during my visit to this city! 

I love that it was walkable. We exited our hotel and started walking and before we know it, we walked miles that seems like just a few blocks down the road.  The sights were incredible eye gazing and that's what kept you interesting and engaging...It gives the feel of wanting to experience so many things..I love the vibe, I love it all and all that's it entails.  I could easily find my happy place.

Rotterdam, you added the incredible experience of sailing from your waterline and seeing that beautiful bridge up close and personal. Thanks for being part of the journey..

Amazing and truly a lot to take in here. Adventure seekers, it's time to move on to experience new shores and as you can see my ship is waiting.... Come along with me as we venture to new shorelines and discover new pathways.

All aboard, our floating palace is here, let's explore together.

 Until next time my fellow adventure seekers, enjoy discovering your own delights!

Leona